Archive | August, 2012

Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman—already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet—who insisted he didn’t need my help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

“I don’t know,” he said. “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.”

(StatePoint) The start of a new school year is a great time to emphasize the importance of reading at home. Solid readers perform better in school and in the workplace, have a healthy self-image, and become lifelong learners.

Research shows a whopping 45 percent of children ages 3 to 5 are not read to daily, and this lack of literature can take a negative toll on school performance. Luckily, there are many things parents can do to make kids passionate readers.

“Reading stimulates children’s imagination and expands their understanding of the world,” says actress Kate Beckinsale, who is teaming with “The Nestlé Share the Joy of Reading Program” to raise awareness about the importance of children’s literacy and support the work of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States.

If you’re looking to make reading a bigger part of your children’s lives this school year, here are some great tips to get them motivated:

• Start young. Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain critical language and communication skills and instill great habits.

• Take advantage of free online tools and resources that help make reading an engaging, shared experience for parents and kids. For example, RIF’s “Leading to Reading” website contains activities for children ages birth to 5. Visit www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading for more information.

• Variety is the spice of life! Be sure your house contains plenty of books to choose from on a variety of topics.

• Launch a children’s book club with other parents. Take turns hosting your children’s friends for snacks and a lively discussion on the book of the month.

• Kids love getting mail! Subscribe to children’s magazines so they’ll have something fun and beneficial to look forward to each month.

• Make sure children have their very own library cards and become frequent patrons at your local library.

• Be it the morning paper or your favorite novel, set a great example by making reading a daily habit for yourself.

• Many literacy programs supporting underserved communities are currently experiencing federal funding cutbacks, but everyone deserves a chance to read. Invest in the lives of other children who might not have the same opportunities as your kids. For example, right now, every time you enter a promotion code found inside specially marked packages of Nestlé and Wonka candy at www.CelebrationCorner.com/RIF, Nestlé will donate money to RIF, to fund purchasing books for kids.

Almost a quarter of public school fourth graders score below even the most basic levels on reading exams, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress. Don’t let your children fall behind. Take steps this school year to help your children and others to hone this basic tool for success.

(Family Features) Summer break vanished in the blink of an eye, like it seems to every year, and it’s school time again. Although the kids may really be ready to return to a regular routine, chances are you might sense a bit of reluctance to leave the ease of summer behind.

So sweeten the trip back to school with a special lunchbox treat.

Making lunch time something your kids look forward to is something you can do every day of the school year. You can bet they won’t be swapping lunches when theirs is so special every day!

Try some of these tips that make the lunch break special:

Pack their favorite sandwich filling—if they love PBJ or cheese everyday, that’s okay!—but cut sandwiches in halves or quarters, or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.

Use small self-sealing bags to pack bite-size servings of fruits and vegetables, such as baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, grapes and orange segments.

Make a snack mix of dried cereal, raisins, nuts and mini marshmallows.

Decorate the lunch bag with special stickers, or include a note with a special greeting for lunchtime.

Make kitchen time with your kids so they can share the fun in baking treats to tote to school or enjoy for after school with their friends.

Wrap up a home-baked treat—cookies, bars, muffins or these fun and fabulous Surprise Prize Cupcakes.

These frosted cupcakes will be prized. Each holds a surprise of chocolate chip cookie dough baked inside chocolate cupcake batter, so each bite is a delight. Since the recipe makes two dozen, there are plenty to share and enjoy after school, too.

When you’re planning special treats for the lunch box, or want to bake with the kids after school, take a sweet trip through the creative ideas at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

BEAT cake mix, water, eggs and oil in large mixer bowl on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into each cup, filling about 2/3 full.

CUT cookie dough into 24 pieces; roll each into a ball. Place one ball of dough in each muffin cup, pressing it to the bottom.

BAKE for 19 to 22 minutes or until top springs back when gently touched. Let stand for 15 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Spread with frosting and sprinkle with morsels.

The Michigan Department of Education requires all schools to publish an annual report to inform the residents about the status of their schools. This report provides detailed information on student assessment results, Adequate Yearly Progress results, teacher qualification information, and the state results for the National Assessment of Educational Progress. You can view Cedar Springs Public Schools Annual Education Report by visiting our website at www.csredhawks.org or you may review a copy in the building offices.

Asbestos Management Plan Available for Review by Parents, Teachers and Employees

Our school district has conducted an extensive asbestos survey of all of our buildings. Based on the findings of these inspections, a comprehensive management plan was drafted. This plan details the response actions that the district will be taking regarding asbestos containing materials found in our buildings. This plan is available for inspection at our office without cost or restriction during normal business hours. If you desire to have a personal copy, please notify the main administrative office and it will be supplied to you within five (5) working days at a cost of 30 cents per page.

We have endeavored to make our schools a safe place in which students can learn. Our procedures for dealing with this problem reflect that concern. Please let us know if we can answer any questions. Visit www.csredhawks.org for more information.

Pesticide Advisory to Parents

Advanced notice will be given by posting at the entrance to the school or grounds. In certain emergencies, pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but you will be provided notice immediately following any such application. Parents or Guardians requesting prior notification must complete a notification form yearly.

It was an emotional night for both fans and players at the kick-off game of the 2012 Varsity football season. The community and students were mourning the loss of student Wyatt Phillips, who died one day earlier in an auto accident, and the team was short a starter with Sean Thompson in the hospital recovering from injuries suffered in the same accident. But the Red Hawks put that aside and came out strong and ready to play.

Allen Slagter was the first to score for the Red Hawks with a carry over 19 yards for a Cedar Springs touchdown. The run into the end zone was no good, however. The Tri-County Vikings answered those points with a touchdown of their own, but also had a good kick, taking the lead 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.

The Red Hawks again scored first in the 2nd quarter, when Cameron Lotter ran up the middle 3-plus yards for the points, but they didn’t get the 2-point conversion. They scored again when Jared Vodry intercepted a Tri County pass by Jonathon Hill and ran 5 yards for a touchdown, with Jeff Newland adding the 2-point conversion. Allen Slagter also scored again in the second quarter, with Jeff Newland adding 2 points. At the end of the second quarter, it was Cedar Springs 28, Vikings 7.

Tri County runs with the ball.

But the Red Hawks weren’t finished yet, with Cam Cooper and Dylan Block scoring two more touchdowns in the 3rd quarter. Score at the end of the quarter was 40-7, Cedar Springs.

The Red Hawks scored again in the fourth when Cameron Lotter rushed for 27 yards for the final touchdown on the game. Final score was Cedar Springs 47, Tri County 7.

Allen Slagter Led the team in tackles with a total of 5, with 5 assists, followed by Jared Vodry, with 4 tackles and 4 assists. Allen Slagter also led the team in rushing yards with a total of 113, with Dylan Block ending his debut with 104 yards.

“This has been a very emotional and painful time for our team, school and community,” said Coach Brian Busen. “Many kids on our team were good friends with Wyatt and have lost a good friend and are struggling to cope with his loss. All of our guys love Sean and pray for his recovery. Friday night we also had a dedication of our season to Jim Porter, a huge supporter of Red Hawk Athletics who passed in July. Our guys were happy to honor Jim and his family but it added even more to the emotion of the night. With all of the emotion of the night it was great to get to the kickoff and let the kids be kids. Regardless of the score, it gave our kids and fans a small moment to escape for a moment and just enjoy a game that has the power to pull our community together to show the love and support for our kids and one another.”

Cedar Springs goes up against rival Sparta on Thursday August 30, in Sparta, for a non-conference match up at 7 p.m. Turn to page 7 for all their upcoming games.

The Cedar Springs Boys Varsity Soccer team started their season with three big wins last week. On August 21, the Red Hawks traveled to Walker to take on the Kenowa Hills Knights. The Red Hawks’ offensive line attacked the ball and put an immense amount of pressure on the Knights’ defensive line. During the first half, Robert Klein (32:00), Dontae Ensley (16:55), Luke Dault (11:19) and Jon Shaw (7:39) were able to put points on the scoreboard to give the Red Hawks a 4 to 0 advantage at the half. The Hawks came out just as strong during the second half, with Szirovecz (39:34) & (25:44) and Klein (8:14) & (4:26) each knocking in additional goals. At the final buzzer, the Red Hawks had crushed the Kenowa Hills Knights 8 to 1.

On August 23, the Grant Tigers came to Red Hawk Stadium for the boys’ second match of the week. The Red Hawks played the game in honor of Wyatt Phillips, fellow teammate, who had lost his life in a horrible car accident that very day. The team took the field with ten men, in memory of Wyatt, determined to win the game in honor of their friend. The Red Hawks exploded into action, scoring immediately and finished the game seconds into the second half, by invoking the mercy rule, defeating Grant 8 to 0.

The next evening, August 24, the Red Hawks traveled to Coopersville to challenge the Broncos. The Red Hawks maintained possession the entire game, with goals scored by Robert Klein (36:43) & (36:08); Kyle Szirovecz (26:49) & (27:53); Dontae Ensley (18:18); and Johnny Wood (9:11). The defensive line of Aaron Dault, Trevor Rose, Donate Ensley, and Aeron White held the Bronco offensive to one goal, ensuring a Red Hawk victory over the Broncos 6 to 1.

Good Luck Red Hawks as conference play begins on September 11 vs. Forest Hills Eastern!

The Cedar Springs JV Red Hawk football team showed the Tri County Vikings last Thursday night that they were a force to be reckoned with.

The first quarter was exciting for Red Hawk fans. Cedar Springs recovered a couple of fumbles, scored on a 34-yard pass, and had an interception. At the end of the first quarter it was Hawks 20-0.

As the game continued, Cedar Springs’ offense scored on the ground and through the air. Their run game was strong because of the blocking of the offensive line. Their defense dominated created many fumbles, intercepted one pass and scored a safety The first half ended with the Hawks leading 38-0.

Tri-County’s only score came as they ran back the opening kick off of the second half. But those 6 points didn’t keep the Hawks down. With full team support, half of the team had the opportunity to cross into the end zone for a touchdown or 2-point conversion. It was a great team effort defeating Tri-County 68-6.

They played Sparta at home on Wednesday night. See next week’s Post for details, and check out their full schedule on page 7.